Ralph Waite (John Walton)
was born in White Plains, New York on June 22, 1928. Before
appearing in The Waltons, Waite appeared in several television
series and movies such as Cool Hand Luke, Last Summer and The
Borgia Stick. He also appeared in Five Easy Pieces, a film made
in 1971, with Jack Nicholson and was so successful in this role
that acting offers came his way. It was through the series of
The Waltons though, that Waite became so well known, taking on
the role of John Walton throughout the series, and continuing
this role in each of the Waltons movie specials. The role of
John Walton in The Homecoming, however, was played by Andrew
Duggan.

During the run
of The Waltons Waite also directed several of the episodes.
Since then he has also directed other projects, as well as
turning his hand to writing. Recently he has also been seen in a
stage production of Death of a Salesman.

For many years, Ralph Waite has had
political ambitions and most recently had hoped to be elected as
the representative for the seat which Sonny Bono had held for
many years. This campaign, however, was unsuccessful.